Teladoc, also based in Texas, offers its members 24-hour-a-day access via telephone to a licensed physician. These physicians can consult on minor medical issues and call in short-term prescriptions to the member’s local pharmacy. In addition, Teladoc also offers its members a free electronic health record (EHR) that allows them to store their medical information in a secure online location.

Benefits America was formed in 2005 in response to the growing demand for affordable healthcare options. It offers plans at a variety of price points and are available through online enrollment at www.benefits-america.com or by calling (866) 569-6311.

Effective July 23, 2009, Benefits America will also offer dining and movie discounts as well as roadside assistance under its new “President’s Club” package. This package will provide members with numerous discounts at a variety of movie theaters and dining establishments across the United States.  In addition, members have access to a 24-hour-a-day roadside assistance program which offers towing, flat-tire, battery and lockout services, as well as fuel and fluid delivery.

Benefits America was formed in 2005 in response to the growing demand for affordable healthcare options. It offers plans at a variety of price points and are available through online enrollment at www.benefits-america.com or by calling (866) 569-6311.

According to the CDC, the symptoms of a cold often last for three to five days and generally include a stuffy nose, mild body aches, fatigue and sometimes a cough. Complications from the common cold are usually minor and can include upper respiratory infections that stick around after the cold virus is gone.

The symptoms of the H1N1 and flu viruses tend to be more severe and can have serious consequences in the young, elderly and people with compromised immune symptoms. The CDC states that symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. It should also be noted that occasionally people infected with strains of influenza (including H1N1) may have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Because the symptoms of H1N1 and seasonal flu are so similar, often the only way to distinguish between the two is with a test performed by your doctor.

The CDC also warns that if these symptoms develop, emergency medical care should be sought:

In children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Visit the following links for more information:

CDC H1N1 Fact Page

FluView – A Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report

WebMD – Swine Flu FAQ

Did you know that 80% of all dental appointments made are scheduled by females?

Your initial phone contact with the office should be very positive. The receptionist should be pleasant and focused on you and your needs.  She should be willing and able to answer most of your initial questions and get you in for your first appointment in just a few days.  You should feel comfortable asking about office policies, insurance, the Doctor and other questions important to you.  Remember, the receptionist’s manner often reflects the way the office runs.

The office hours should be convenient for you and your family and the location is important, but a good dentist is worth the drive!

If you are not having any discomfort or problems, schedule a cleaning appointment and use this time to check out the staff, doctor and office.  Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you greeted by a caring staff?
• Does the doctor see you on your first appointment?
• Is the office clean and organized?
• Are digital (filmless) x-rays used? These greatly reduce radiation and improve diagnosis.
• Are questions about your care welcomed? If not – think twice!
• Do you feel a level of confidence and trust in both the skills and ethics of the office? You should have no doubts about making this your dental home for your family.
• Was your time valued by being seen on time? If the office was late with you did they inform you about running behind ASAP and did the Doctor offer his apologies?
• How are after-hour emergencies are handled? Is this acceptable for you?
• Were financial matters handled discreetly and accurately? Do they offer financial payment plans?
• Was they hygienist careful? Did she hurt you?
• Does the office have a website to provide further information about their services?

There are other criteria to select a good dentist but if you get most of these right, then you have a winner!

If you have questions and would like to speak to a customer service representative, please call us at 1.866.569.6311.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Please see us online at www.Benefits-America.com.  Thank you!